Thread Count Explained

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Enjoying Your New Bedset as Newlyweds

A comfortable home is essential to married life, but many newlyweds don’t know how to begin creating one. Now JCPenney weighs in a few little things that can make a big difference in your new life together...

In sheets, it’s thread count that matters – the more, the better. But what does that mean exactly?

Fabric is made up of fibers criss-crossed—warp (lengthwise) and weft (widthwise)—basket weave style to make up a large piece of cloth. Variations on the basket weave design (weave) or the type of fibers used in the weaving create different kinds of fabric, such as velvet, satin, jacquard or percale.

The number of threads criss-crossed in a square inch of fabric is called thread count, and it can vary from 180 to 800+. When the number of threads is increased or decreased, the properties of the fabric change.

Hand is what textile manufacturers call the feel of the fabric. More threads per square inch will create a softer hand. The fabric will be more fluid, less stiff. It will

drape better and look more lustrous and luxurious. It will feel more comfortable against your skin right out of the package, and it will be less prone to shrinkage. Fewer threads per square inch will produce a stiffer, crisper fabric that will soften slowly with washing. The higher the thread count, the more expensive the fabric.

Durability refers to how a fabric stands up to wear and tear, wash after wash. Fabric with higher thread count will be more durable, since there are more threads in an inch to take the abuse of rough skin and washing-machine agitators. The type of fiber used will affect durability as well. For example, polyester holds up better than silk.

So don't just judge a sheet by thread count alone. Take fiber and finish into account. In fact, sheets made of linen, flannel or jersey typically have low thread counts due to the type of fiber and finish. A higher thread count would lessen the appeal. Also think of who the fabric is for. A sheet that's a 250 blend of cotton and polyester is going to work great in a kid's room or guest room. But if you're looking for ultimate comfort and luxury, choose the highest thread count you can afford.

And while we're at it, counting threads in an inch isn't an easy job. It's typically done by a person who actually counts the numbers of threads criss-crossing in a single inch of fabric. Just knowing that can make one appreciate high thread counts even more!

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